A heartwarming tale of a beloved fox in SLO County has captured the attention of locals once again, nearly a decade after its untimely demise. This story is a testament to the enduring impact of a playful gray fox named Foxy, who left an indelible mark on the community of Arroyo Grande.
In late 2017, Foxy's mischievous antics and friendly nature won over the hearts of residents. From perching on porches to playing with local animals, including the town's famous chickens and roosters, Foxy became an iconic figure in the Village. However, tragedy struck when a complaint about Foxy killing a resident's chickens led to its trapping and euthanasia by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services.
The news of Foxy's death sparked outrage and a wave of questions from the community. Why couldn't the fox be relocated instead? Despite the passage of time, Foxy's spirit lives on through the dedication of a small group of residents who have tirelessly worked to keep its memory alive.
Through various initiatives, including ribbons, hand-painted rocks, candlelight vigils, and ongoing fundraising efforts, residents and local groups such as Arroyo Grande in Bloom and Arroyo Grande Public Art have ensured that Foxy's impact is never forgotten. Their hard work has finally paid off, as a more permanent memorial is now in the works.
During a recent City Council meeting, the council approved the installation of a life-size bronze statue created by wildlife artist Michael Tatom. The sculpture, measuring approximately 13 by 9 by 12 inches, will depict a small fox and be placed in a tree planter in Centennial Park.
"The Foxy bronze statue will serve as a reminder of our community's spirit, our pride, and our love for the city and the wildlife that surrounds us," said volunteer Vivian Krug Cotton. "It will educate and inspire us all to live harmoniously with our ecosystem and the wildlife within it."
The statue is estimated to cost around $6,500, with any remaining funds from the $9,000 raised going towards future educational projects along the creek in Centennial Park.
While the City Council generally supported the memorial, there were concerns raised about its location, size, and potential vulnerability to theft. Councilmember Kate Secrest expressed her worries about the statue's placement, citing past issues with vandalism in the area. Mayor Caren Ray-Russom shared similar concerns, feeling that the location lacked proper consideration.
Ray-Russom proposed an alternative location on the other side of the creek, near the city's historic millstone, where a sculpture already exists. City staff addressed theft concerns by suggesting a concrete slab underground to secure the statue, but this raised further worries about potential damage to the existing tree in the planter.
Despite these concerns, the council voted 4-1 to approve the statue's installation in Centennial Park, with Ray-Russom casting the sole dissenting vote. Councilmember Jamie Maraviglia believed the chosen location would ensure the statue received ample attention, especially from children passing through the Village.
As the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the Foxy statue, the story serves as a reminder of the power of community spirit and the impact that a beloved animal can have on a town. It also raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between wildlife conservation and human interests. What do you think? Should we prioritize the protection of wildlife, even if it means potential conflicts with human activities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
